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Apple Tablet Coming?

Originally posted by HasanDaddy
Well - ...if the price is competitive (or similar to high end iPods), then I'll buy one.....if I'm gonna backup my entire harddrive on an iPod, then I'm willing to pay a few hundred more dollars to add the functionality of viewing all of my backed up stuff
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sure I understand you're perceived needs, and we all have different likes and dislikes. But why wouldn't you prefer the iPod with some of the functionality you write of, and buy a cheap FireWire HDD for backups? Theyr'e about half the price of an iPod, and heaps less than any Tablet PC.

But then I freely admit my bias. I gave up on laptops years ago. I realise the need for them by some people, particularly in a mobile job. But I hate their size and weight. That's why I was an early adopter of Zip drives, years ago. I'd always donate one to wherever I worked, so I could just take a disk home in my pocket to my Mac, while everyone else lugged around whole computers. Silly buggers. Since in my consulting job, I'm always in stationary locations for a few months at a time, the ideal situation is a desktop at home, a desktop at work (or a laptop set up like a desktop), a Zip drive and a iPod in between.

At the risk of stating the obvious, a tablet PC is not going to be near as portable as an iPod. For me, if I can't stick it in my pocket it's too big! (Hope there are no women reading this)
 
Originally posted by ennerseed
So you are going to carry around your widescreen tv, your dvd player, your stereo, your computer (for iTunes)
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Uh, you're missing the point: it would be the tablet that is carried around, not all these other things ...

Do you use all these things at the same time? that would be the only reason to carry them all around with you. No, when you want to watch TV, you go to the TV. When you want to listen to music, you go to the stereo. When you ... you get the idea ...

As you move around, using these things, what's wrong with having one device to tie them all together in the ways that *you* find useful and which you may not yet realize?
 
Re: Maybe MacWhispers is not reliable

Originally posted by chewbaccapits
...I keep insisting that this site [MacWhispers] can't be regarded as a reliable source....This site's a joke..Come on!
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AND?!!

I'm no MacWhispers apologist but, we could spend days pointing out blunders and wild speculation on most of these forums behalfs. Or just go over the rumor round-up here at MacRumors.

I just don't think that this particular rumor is being jumped on by practically everyone, in particular Arn and MacRumors, without having some foundation.

Come on Apple. Prove us wrong...or right...or something!! AHHHHH!!!!!

[Preferrably right]:D
 
Re: Re: powerPod ??

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Rubbing a plastic stick against a plastic screen is nothing like writing on paper. It's also what I hate. I can type for hours, but start me with a pen, and I'm cramped in 30 minutes. Pen input is not going to utterly replace keyboards. In fact, it's not really going to replace much of anything. It is what we've been replacing for decades. It's still holding out in some places.
Click to expand...

Those places where it's holding out is known as "the real world" ...

There's nothing inherent about a tablet that would preclude its use with a (Bluetooth?) keyboard and mouse. Sometimes, they are the better input device. Sometimes, they're not.

I realize that, in your high school, no one may resort to using a pen <gasp> ... but I assure that there is whole big world out there full of people who use pens and pencils and, more to the point, are used to using them and, so, don't cramp up so quickly. That doesn't mean they wouldn't want to use a keyboard for some things ... just that they don't limit themselves to a keyboard for everything.
 
Originally posted by MacQuest
:D Heh...He said "buggers"...:D
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MacQuest, much as I like you, you've obviously got serious time on your hands issues, haven't ya mate? :D

How many posts have actually made today? And you're gonna keep goin strong aren't ya dude? ;)

I'm finished for the day, it's been most informative.

Seeya lads!
 
Re: Re: Re: powerPod ??

Originally posted by robodweeb
Those places where it's holding out is known as "the real world" ...

There's nothing inherent about a tablet that would preclude its use with a (Bluetooth?) keyboard and mouse. Sometimes, they are the better input device. Sometimes, they're not.

I realize that, in your high school, no one may resort to using a pen <gasp> ... but I assure that there is whole big world out there full of people who use pens and pencils and, more to the point, are used to using them and, so, don't cramp up so quickly. That doesn't mean they wouldn't want to use a keyboard for some things ... just that they don't limit themselves to a keyboard for everything.
Click to expand...

As usual, you have completely missed my point.

I use pens on a daily basis. I just don't use them to write extensive pieces of text. Pens are great for non-textual information, odd symbols and formats, and things like that. But in the arena of text, keyboards are king. And there is very little that could replace them.

As for video cellphones: Great, now all my phone conversations are going to be like live reports from Iraq. Actually, I seriously want the types of phones those reporters have, in a miniaturized, consumer version. Although there are times I would rather not be seen when I'm talking on the telephone, it would be a sweet feature. But consumer videophones, so far, are in the same boat as flying cars. (Except in Korea, so it seems.)
 
iPad

This post may be long.

Before Macworld in January, I joined some threads regarding an iPad and even created some Photoshop mock-ups. In these threads we discussed some of the possible uses for an Apple Tablet.

The idea is that Apple has many current technologies that could easily be incorporated into a small, extremely portable tablet computer that would blow away any competition in the fledgling tablet market.

Here are some of the ideas that I can think of for a tablet with the following, very reasonable and more importantly, currently available specs.

(Based on current iBook Configurations)
800MHZ G3 PowerPc
128MB RAM Upgradeable to 768MB RAM
100MHZ System Bus
20 ? 30GB Harddrive
No Optical Drive (Maybe Slot load DVD/CDRW in Future Rev)
1 X Firewire 400
2 X USB
Bluetooth Enabled
10/100 Ethernet
Airport Extreme
5? X 7? LCD Touchscreen (8.5? Diagonal)
1075 X 768 Resolution (800 X 575 Scaled)
ATI AGP Mobility Chip w/ 32MB VRAM
Video / Audio Out (Requires Video Adaptor or Headphones)
Built in Speaker
Built in Mic
5 Hour Battery (iBook)
1.25 LBS (25% size of iBook, no flip out monitor, keypad, optical drive)


This system is perfectly capable of handling a full version of OSX. This fact is important as X is the single most important technology behind what would make this tablet better than anything else on the subcompact, tablet or PDA market.
Here?s why.

With OSX, you could use this tablet for the following tasks:

1) Any program that can run on an iBook with similar specs can run on this device. Mail, Safari, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iChat, X Utilities, Office, iWorks, Quicken, Photoshop, Sherlock, Games, iCal, Konfabulator, Quicktime? etc.. etc. Becomes a decent and extremely functional portable computer
2) Networking: Not only could this device be a great way to connect to the net, its potential as a network device is limitless. Combined with Apple?s already full functioned Remote Desktop software, the iPad could be a great device for controlling any given computer on a local network or over the internet. Imagine using an iPad to control a group of XServes or other Unix servers. Furthermore, my guess would be that OSX Panther will probably include a lite version of Remote Desktop. The end user would be able to remote control their desktop machine via the iPad making this device a perfect extension of their desktop. With Airport Extreme, Rendezvous and OSX, your desktop machine just became very portable.
3) Bluetooth: A lot has been said about Bluetooth, but just imagine the kind of versatility it offers a device like this. The list begins with wireless controllers like mice and keyboards and continues with printers and cell phones. If you have a Bluetooth phone and an iPad, you?re connected to the net anywhere you go. The third party possibilities with Bluetooth & Airport could be completely revolutionary. One interesting idea that has been floating around is the idea of a universal Bluetooth remote. Imagine controlling your VCR, Tivo or TV with your iPad and a Bluetooth / IR adaptor for the device that you want to control. Just hit a smart website with your TV listing and you can program your VCR with the touch of the stylus.
4) Enterprise: The possibilities for this device in the enterprise and business market are endless. Database Input, Customer Interaction, Inventory, Advertising, Information etc. etc.
5) Portable Picture, Video & MP3 player.
6) Digital Video Device? Tivo type device.
7) Personal / Family / Work / Home Organizer / Assistant. With hundreds more options, more space and easier input, this device would easily outclass any PDA in all areas besides size.
8) Tablet Input: Imagine if you connected via Firewire and the iPad became a seemless Tablet input device for your desktop or Powerbook Mac. Design and graphics pros would love to have a live tablet type device for super accurate graphics work, and it would also be cool simply as a touch extenson of your Mac. Instead of paying $300 for a really powerful Tablet Input Device, buy the iPad and you get the best of both worlds.

Basically you have a fully functioning OSX Macintosh in a super trimmed down but still very ergonomic form. Yes it might steal some marketshare from the iBook and Powerbook lines, but if you make it a logical progression from iPad, to iBook to Powerbook I think it would still make sense. Make it $100 cheaper than the iBook and you may have a winner. For those who want super light and portable, get the iPad, those who want full feature (DVD, Keyboard more power) get the iBook, Pros get the Powerbook. The nice thing about the iPad would be that it really becomes powerful in conjunction with another computer. I personally have not bought a separate portable from my Desktop as I don?t want the hassle of two computers, but if they worked together seamlessly as an extension of each other that would be a much different story.

Anyway, these were just some of the ideas I had? the beauty is that as soon as a device like this becomes available, third party designers really could run with it. Things that we can?t even imagine, from the most specific of tasks to whole new ways & purposes to use computers.

I like the idea of a Tablet, and I hope Apple does too.




M
 
Originally posted by The Shadow
MacQuest, much as I like you, you've obviously got serious time on your hands issues, haven't ya mate? :D

How many posts have actually made today? And you're gonna keep goin strong aren't ya dude? ;)

I'm finished for the day, it's been most informative.

Seeya lads!
Click to expand...

Shadow-

I hope you don't think I was mocking you whatsoever, because I wasn't. Yes, today was a rarity in the sense that I did nothing more than enjoy a relaxing day at home with plenty of time on my hands and no worries. Unfortunately, it's back to the "mines" tomorrow.

I'm [almost] finished for the day as well, so no, I don't think I'll keep going strong for much longer.

See ya lad!:)
 
Sounds like a bad idea

I agree with the people who have posted their doubts about the usefulness of such a device. While the technology for it exists today I do not think that people are ready to start carrying bulky tablets around the house. With a small screen it would be a gimmick to browse the Net using this thing and as for video, unless the content is free and on demand how could Apple ever compete with television? As for DivX, forget it. Apple is not in the business of supporting video piracy and it has more to gain from utilizing QuickTime and MP4.
 
Re: iPad

Originally posted by matttichenor
(Based on current iBook Configurations)
800MHZ G3 PowerPc
128MB RAM Upgradeable to 768MB RAM
100MHZ System Bus
20 ? 30GB Harddrive
No Optical Drive (Maybe Slot load DVD/CDRW in Future Rev)
1 X Firewire 400
2 X USB
Bluetooth Enabled
10/100 Ethernet
Airport Extreme
5? X 7? LCD Touchscreen (8.5? Diagonal)
1075 X 768 Resolution (800 X 575 Scaled)
ATI AGP Mobility Chip w/ 32MB VRAM
Video / Audio Out (Requires Video Adaptor or Headphones)
Built in Speaker
Built in Mic
5 Hour Battery (iBook)
1.25 LBS (25% size of iBook, no flip out monitor, keypad, optical drive)
Click to expand...
If Apple has the technology to basically put the contents of an iBook (plus bluetooth and Airport Extreme) into a computer that would weigh in at 1.25 pounds...don't you think they would have done this by now? Or at least used some of this technology to make the iBook lighter?

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the smaller something is (in the tech world), the more expensive it's going to be. If you try to squeeze the contents of a $1299 iBook into a computer that measures 5x7x1, you're looking at a machine that will push $1799. Thats not economically sound. Especially if we're to believe that this new device is to be aimed at the home market.

I'm done with this thread now, going to get some shut-eye. Hopefully we'll all be wowed by whatever this friggin thing is when it's announced. Until then...don't get your hopes up.
 
Re: Sounds like a bad idea

Originally posted by Sol
While the technology for it exists today I do not think that people are ready to start carrying bulky tablets around the house.
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The house...maybe, maybe not. People like us who are already computer users, may not benefit from this tablet unless it is somehow an extension of our existing computer and/or our other household electronic devices [as noted by "matttichenors" just above my post].

On the other hand, millions of current technophobes worlwide [let's not forget the language support in OS X] may not be as intimidated by a picture frame sized device that does not force them to remain in one particular room in the house while introducing them to computing, or maybe just controlling other home electronic devices. Mac style!:D

Get 'em hooked on Mac's "young", whether referring to age or computing experience, is the key. Then they can "graduate" to other Mac's and Apple devices with a minimal learning curve and at their convenience. Enough about the house though.

Let's talk grade school, up through college/university [and everything in between or after], and into the workplace. PDA's and Tablets in their current forms suck in these environments. PERIOD.

As a net. admin., I really like the prospect of walking around the office without my uncomfortable laptop [no matter how light it is, it's the form factor] or an inadequate PDA.

An OS X tablet that can wirelessly connect to my network for quick troubleshooting and administration? Bring it on!

Students who can stand around [don't have to go find a table or a flat surface to sitdown at] campus and complete data transfers with eachother [via Bluetooth] or download info. from their schools servers [via 802.11b/g]. Oh yeah!

Rather than re-type everything, check out "matttichenors" post on page 3 of this thread for workplace possibilities and "robodweebs" & "Teqanjels" posts on page 2 of this thread for further home and overall future roadmap possibilities.

ENDLESS possibilities, with Mac reliability, from cradle to grave. I LIKE IT!!

LET'S GO APPLE!! CHOP CHOP!!:D
 
Re: Now this is thinking differently

Originally posted by Teqanjel
A definite "Aha!" insight. I like your thinking.

So where does that lead us? Your (new version) iPod acts as the hard drive for a larger...what?

As a certain Vulcan would say, "Fascinating...". I honestly think you may be onto something.

~ Teqanjel
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thanks, but the idea was j33pd0g's earlier in the thread, i just looked into it a bit. ;)

i think it's a good idea for a few reasons. one of which would be this: let's assume that this new device is just a "pictues and video ipod". (i think it will be a bit more) i would purchase one. it is reasonable to speculate that the picture and video features would be in addition to the music playing. if that were the case i would want to have my favorite mp3s on it which would create some redundancy with the mp3s i have on the ipod i already own. as a small, light music player, the ipod will not be replaced by this device. but instead of creating redundancy, the two could work together, sharing data and power. you could play the mp3s on your ipod's drive through the tablet. you could edit your contacts on your ipod without docking to a computer. you could add to and edit your calendars. each device would be able to function indepedantly, but together they could enhance each other. kinda like a transformer or something. ;)

anyway, that's more than enough rampant speculation from me. :)
 
Re: Sounds like a bad idea

Originally posted by Sol
I agree with the people who have posted their doubts about the usefulness of such a device. While the technology for it exists today I do not think that people are ready to start carrying bulky tablets around the house. With a small screen it would be a gimmick to browse the Net using this thing and as for video, unless the content is free and on demand how could Apple ever compete with television? As for DivX, forget it. Apple is not in the business of supporting video piracy and it has more to gain from utilizing QuickTime and MP4.
Click to expand...


oh... so that's why you guys are thinking this device is a bad idea. um... yeah. how can i put this? just because this device is targeted at the "home user" does not mean it would have to be used in the home. do you sit on your couch and listen to your ipod?

anyway, whatever. i will buy one. *waits*
 
Re: Re: iPad

Originally posted by smashedapart
If Apple has the technology to basically put the contents of an iBook (plus bluetooth and Airport Extreme) into a computer that would weigh in at 1.25 pounds...don't you think they would have done this by now?
Click to expand...

Nope. Market conditions aren't right.


Originally posted by smashedapart
Or at least used some of this technology to make the iBook lighter?
Click to expand...

Again, it's called a PowerBook. You want lighter/costlier enclosure with full features, you buy a PowerBook. You want a budget minded laptop, you buy an iBook.

Originally posted by smashedapart
One thing you have to keep in mind is that the smaller something is (in the tech world), the more expensive it's going to be. If you try to squeeze the contents of a $1299 iBook into a computer that measures 5x7x1, you're looking at a machine that will push $1799.
Click to expand...

By that reasoning alone [even though it is true in theory, but "your" price points are completely off], current PDA's should be at about $1,000? They fit in your pocket right? That's small, right? The $1,799 price tag which "you" decided on for this tablet I would assume is to justify Apple's mark-up for using the Mac OS and all the other features?

Originally posted by smashedapart
Thats not economically sound. Especially if we're to believe that this new device is to be aimed at the home market.
Click to expand...

Why can't you realize that this "iThing" will most likely be multi-faceted because of it's wireless capabilities? At home it controls and/or connects to devices that are completely different from those used at work. The same will be true about it's use and functionality.

Also, to quote requies right above my post: "just because this device is targeted at the "home user" does not mean it would have to be used in the home. do you sit on your couch and listen to your ipod?".

Oh so true. Likewise, the iPod is not targeted for the business user either. I am going to start my own category here, and just call it "the mobile user". That will probably be the legacy that this sort of device will leave behind. It will eliminate the line between "home" and "office" users for those who can't see that they are becoming one in the same.


Originally posted by smashedapart
Until then...don't get your hopes up.
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Actually, your attempts to discredit this device has made me realize how much more I will want it when/if it comes out.

I'm not trying to be contradictory, but seriously, when I first started posting about this earlier today, I had no personal interest in this tablet, even though I could see how it would benefit others.

Now that I have had time to think about it, see what others have to say about it's potential, and realize what it could mean for me at home as well as work, I WANT ONE!!:D
 
iPad

If Apple has the technology to basically put the contents of an iBook (plus bluetooth and Airport Extreme) into a computer that would weigh in at 1.25 pounds...don't you think they would have done this by now? Or at least used some of this technology to make the iBook lighter?
Click to expand...

I don't think it is impossible. Discard the Optical Drive, the keyboard, the trackpad, the flip out monitor and change the standard HD for the 1.8" Mini Drive from the iPod and you have already saved a bunch of space and weight.

The calculation I used was:

iBook 9" x 11" = 99
iPad 5" x 7" = 35

35/99 = .35

5Lbs (iBook) X 35% = 1.75 LBS

Subtract the flip out screen and you've got 1.25 LBS.

Bluetooth and AP Extreme can't take up all that much room.Maybe a bit more than standard airport.

Maybe I'm nuts but I bet they could do it. Maybe use a smaller battery, juggle the space and it could work.

Using the G3 saves a bunch of space as well, less cooling issues. I really think it's possible and don't believe it is a matter of creating new technology, most of the technology exists it's more a matter of cutting out extraneous parts.


m
 
It's probably a TiVO type thing (iShow)

It's probably a video iPod, and everything that goes with that. Think of a TiVO that can also show what it stores.

Why:

a) all digital hub appliances are designed to require a mac.

b) TiVO etc. is a much more widestream use of technology than the PDA. Everyone watches TV, everyone would like to time-shift.

This device would:

Contain the new 80 gb 2.5" hard drive

Connect to TV via breakout coax/rca cable (similar to the monitor adapter for dual usb ibook).

Store video as smallish but high quality mp4 files (encoded in hardware)

Connect to mac via firewire for maintaining library (like iTunes/iPod), import/export video.

Retrieve TV show listings via Bluetooth from a Mac (no membership fee required)

View stored content on the 8.4" LCD screen.

POSSIBLY contain a DVD drive (portable dvd players can be had for $199 at discount stores)

POSSIBLY contain superdrive.

Run custom embedded OS like iPod.

Cost $799 entry model.

--
TV show sharing is the next logical step after MP3s. Already file sharing networks are clogged with episodes of recent TV shows.

This device will probably have macrovision or other common protection system and will probably not show content outside of it's native MP4 format. (i.e. not divX etc.)
 
Now THAT is something that I would buy without skipping a beat. I've wanted TiVO for a while now, but getting it from Apple with no membership fee would be even better!
 
Commercial perspective

One of the most important arguements in this thread is the Apple's ability to drag people into a new dimensions of utility and user experience with new devices.

Just take the arguments for all those "non-techies" out there who just want functionality, not Mhz-bull****.

I can easily cite myself as point-in-case: I always was a typical Windows user for the obvious reason that it was THE standard and that there was no alternative, anyways.

Then, back in '97 I was looking for a truely mobile solution - and opted against a laptop and for the Newton. I was amazed by the user experience: everything worked from the start and as it should. I plugged in a GSM-Modem - and could use mobile internet, send fax via the mobile phone etc. right away without spending days in user forums to find this and that HIGH_KEY to alter to "xxyyzz". This experience changed my way how I look at computers for personal productivity - and guess what: I first got an Apple desktop and later a PowerBook.

To sum it all up: we've seen that the components for a very usefull and versatile mobile device are there - and we all in this forum trust that if there's someone who can blend it all into a great device, it's Apple.

It's basically up to Steve and his marketing and financial folks to decide if it makes commercial sense. I just hope that they realize the amount of drag that such a device can create for the rest of the Apple hardware portfolio (....outweighing IMHO easily any possible iBook-canibalization).

I just would like to hear them my voice:

I'LL GO GET ONE AT ONCE !
 
It might have potential Apple adds some fun, innovative features to it.
Those PC tablets make me sick, so.. boring. I would choose laptop over it any time.
 
It's a digital Photo frame!

Without going into too much details:
it's a digital photo frame! a la Ceiva, if you've seen one of those.

what it is:
- 5"x7" frame, 8.4 inch TFT screen
- good integration with iPhoto (think iPod <-> iTunes)
- wireless download of images, Airport Extreme
- inexpensive, < $250

here's what it's not:
- full OS X installation
- pen input, ink well, etc
- PDA or anything like that

Comments or other ideas?

... as for the name, i won't bother speculating for now.
 
Re: It's a digital Photo frame!

Originally posted by bobbylee
Without going into too much details:
it's a digital photo frame! a la Ceiva, if you've seen one of those.
Click to expand...
Now that would have me laughing for days on end... :p :D

If one the biggest rumors of the year turned out to be a really simple tech gadget.

But it's production...
lol.gif
 
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